“In the matter of one year’s time, our lives turned upside down. Our healthy and athletic teenager was playing volleyball and soccer one week and was sent to see an abdominal specialist the next. We had never even heard of the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA), but in a very short amount of time COTA Read More

Bloomington, Indiana – July 11, 2017 – The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) has received Charity Navigator’s 4-star rating for the seventh year in a row. The 4-star rating, Charity Navigator’s highest, is given to not-for-profit organizations that demonstrate strong financial health and a commitment to accountability and transparency.

“Only 3% of the charities we rate have received at least seven consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating the Children’s Organ Transplant Association exceeds industry standards and outperforms other charities in your area of work,” wrote Michael Thatcher, Charity Navigator’s President and CEO, in a letter recently received by COTA. “This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets COTA apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness.”

According to Charity Navigator, receiving four out of a possible four stars shows that COTA adheres to sector best practices and executes it mission in a financially efficient way. COTA’s mission statement reads: The Children’s Organ Transplant Association helps children and young adults who need a life-saving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support.

“COTA is once again extremely honored to be recognized as one of the nation’s top charities by Charity Navigator,” said James Gilroy, COTA’s Chairman of the Board. “Through the dedication of our nationwide network of Miracle Makers and the guidance of COTA’s Board of Directors, we ensure that 100% of funds generated by COTA community fundraising campaigns are available for transplant-related expenses.”

“Without COTA’s supporters, we would not be able to give children and young adults a second chance at life. We appreciate the trust of our contributors and the tireless work of our volunteers,” Gilroy said.

“The intent of our work is to provide (contributors) with essential information to give them greater confidence in both the charitable decisions that they make and the nonprofit sector,” wrote Charity Navigator’s Thatcher. As the not-for-profit sector continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, savvy contributors are demanding more accountability, transparency and quantifiable results from the charities they choose to support with their hard-earned dollars.

Last year it is estimated that Charity Navigator influenced approximately $10 billion in charitable gifts, according to the charity rating group.

About the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA)
The Children’s Organ Transplant Association is a national 501(c)3 charity that provides fundraising assistance and support to transplant families. Since 1986, COTA’s priority is to assure that no child or young adult is denied a transplant or excluded from a transplant waiting list due to a lack of funds. 100% of all funds raised in honor of transplant patients are used for transplant-related expenses.